With the recent closure of gyms around the world, many have turned to home gym equipment to ensure they can continue their strength training regime at home. Whether you are just starting out in the world of strength training or you are a seasoned expert looking to transition your workouts from the gym to your home, we have reviewed the best and most cost-effective products to help you get the most out of your workouts.
Contrary to what you might think, home gym equipment doesn't have to cost the earth. By using this guide, you can select budget-friendly equipment to suit the space you have to work with. Equally, if you think its time to forget gyms ever existed, we have reviewed the very best high-end gym equipment to kit out your home with strength training equipment to take your workout to the next level.
The benefits of having a designated space at home to workout are abundant. After a long day at work, the last thing you want to do is travel back out to the gym. Imagine all the equipment you need to train is in the next room, a home gym can help you to never miss a workout again. While strength training equipment can represent a daunting upfront cost, with one payment you are all set. No contracts, monthly payments or hidden fees.
Our comprehensive list of products will allow you to hit all the muscle groups as part of your strength training regime and for a price that suits your budget. We have reviewed the best value, most versatile and highest quality equipment to make the transition from gym workouts to home workouts easy!
Best low budget options
Resistance bands
Resistance bands are essential and cost-effective pieces of equipment in any home gym. They are an exceptionally versatile product for those looking to add variety to their strength training regime.
Letsfit
Dimensions: 5.9 x 4.2 x 1.1 inches
Weight: 5.4 ounces
Pros: + portable + versatile + cheap
Cons: - one size
The Letsfit resistance loop bands are a fantastic option for the budget-conscious among you who want a product that will permit a host of strength training exercises. This product won't take up any room at home which makes it perfect for those who have a limited space to work with. These bands will allow you to get much more out of your workouts by adding resistance to compound exercises such as squats and hip thrusts.
Fit resistance band set
Dimensions: 7.9 x 6.7 x 4.3 inches
Weight: 2.4 pounds
Pros: + portable + versatile
Cons: - more expensive
The more expensive What a fit resistance band set will allow you to complete even more exercises as well as affording you the opportunity to isolate specific muscle groups. On top of your basic compound exercises such as squats, you'll be able to do a full-body workout with exercises such as bicep curls and lateral raises.
Ab Roller
An ab roller is a great product for someone who is looking to target their core muscles as part of their strength training regime. While not the most versatile, it's a good option for those whose fitness goals include strong ab muscles. The ab muscles are essential in providing stability when executing a wide range of strength training exercises so the benefits of this product will go beyond its specific purpose.
Perfect Fitness ab carver
Dimensions: 9 x 7.9 x 9 inches
Weight: 0.96 ounces
Pros: + portable + compact
Cons: - lacks versatility
The perfect Fitness ab carver is a great addition to any home gym set up for individuals who want to isolate their core muscles. The product features an ergonomic design and includes cushioned knee pads for excellent comfort. With this roller, exercises can be adjusted to suit your fitness level and allow for progression making it suitable for all abilities.
Dual Ab Wheel
Dimensions: 8.5 x 7.5 x 3.5 inches
Weight: 1 pound
Pros: + portable + compact + value
Cons: - lacks versatility
The Dual Ab Wheel by Valeo is another option for those who are looking for a sturdy ab wheel at a great price. You won't get the same ergonomic design but you will get a great product to target your abs for under $20. If you not too fussed about the design and extra comforts of the Perfect Fitness Carver or you're working on a budget then this product will be perfect for you.
Exercise Ball
An exercise ball is another great example of a low cost, versatile product for your home gym. With an exercise ball, you have the opportunity to target a number of different muscles for a full-body workout. This equipment is great for hamstring curls and ab exercises such as knee tucks. You can also take simpler exercises and make them more challenging by incorporating the exercise ball to your workout to test your balance. You will need a little more space with this product unless you are prepared to inflate and deflate it at the beginning and end of every workout.
Trideer Exercise ball
Dimensions: between 15inch - 33.5inch depending on size
Pros: + versatile + inexpensive
Cons: - bulky
The Trideer Exercise ball is a great piece of gym equipment that is durable, versatile and easy to use. The product features a foot pump for easy inflation so you don't waste time setting up. The product can also be used for yoga which makes it a great option for those who pursue different fitness activities on top of a strength training regime.
Best mid-budget options
Pull up bar
A pull-up bar is a fantastic asset to any home gym and will be especially useful to those who are using strength training in their workouts. Most pull up bars attach to the top of a door frame and don't tend to take up too much room. A pull-up bar allows you to target multiple areas and allows you to further isolate specific muscles by adjusting your grip. Exercises that are typically performed on a pull-up bar such as chin-ups and pull-ups do tend to assume a base level of capability, so if you are a complete beginner these aren't always suitable from the get-go.
Estley's foldable pull-up bar
Dimensions: fits door width of 27.56” – 36.22”
Weight: 7.6 pounds
Pros: + versatile + affordable + compact
Cons: - requires base-level fitness
Estley's foldable pull-up bar goes beyond what most other companies offer. The unit can be folded down and stored away with ease for those who don't want to leave it on the door frame when they aren't using it. It can also be adapted for use with different exercises, including floor exercises such as tricep dips and press-ups to get the most out of your space. The bar is made from high-quality materials to maximise safety and comfort.
Another great option...
Dimensions: fits door width of 25.6" to 33.5"
Weight: 3.9 pounds
Pros: + affordable + compact
Cons: - requires base-level fitness - less versatile
For a more no-frills asset to your home gym space, this pull-up bar from OneTwoFit is a great option. While a more basic product, it draws less attention to itself when set-up and is therefore a better option on those planning to leave the equipment up in between workouts. If you want a pull-up bar as part of your home gym set up and don't feel you need any added extras then this is a great option for you.
Kettlebell
A Kettlebell is a great addition to any home gym. It's suitable for use by beginners through to the very experienced. This equipment allows you to perform a multitude of compound and isolation exercises to add great variety to your strength training routine at home. Using a kettlebell is a relatively inexpensive way to achieve your fitness goals at home. We've reviewed two great options for those looking to add Kettlebell exercises to their home gym training regime.
Kettlebell set
Dimensions: 11 x 9 x 11 inches
Weight: 32 pounds
Pros: + affordable + versatile + suitable for all
Cons: - difficult to store discretely
This kettlebell set from Best Choice Products offers a great opportunity for progression with a set that includes 5lb, 10lb and 15lb weights. The product includes a base rack so that the kettlebells can be stored neatly in the corner of your home gym. The varying weight options allow you to get the most out of individual exercises and ensures you have the right amount of weight to challenge yourself.
Kettlebell
Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.3 x 9.4 inches
Weight: 15-35 pounds
Pros: + affordable + versatile + suitable for all
Cons: - difficult to store discretely - less scope for progression
If you already know the perfect Kettlebell weight you need then this product from AmazonBasics is an excellent option. If you are looking to just purchase one Kettlebell, ensure you do your research as to what your optimum weight is. If the Kettlebell is too heavy, you risk the possibility of injury and if it is too light you won't get the most out of your workout.
Best high-end options
Squat rack
For experienced gym-goers who are considering adding a high-end option to their home gym, a squat rack should be at the top of the list. This piece of equipment will allow you to complete heavy lifts and really push your workouts to the next level. You'll be able to hit a number of muscle groups with compound lifts such as squats and bench press. However, before you buy this piece of equipment you need to think carefully about your space and budget restrictions, it will take up a significant amount of space in your home gym and is one of the most expensive pieces of equipment out there. You will also need to consider that you will need extra equipment to use the squat rack. At the least, you will need a bar and some weight plates for squats as well as a gym bench to perform bench press exercises.
CAP Barbell Power rack
Dimensions: 46 x 50 x 85 inches
Weight: 60 pounds
Pros: + versatile + quality + allows for progression
Cons: - large - extra equipment required
The CAP Barbell Power rack is a high quality and durable piece of equipment that you will be able to place full confidence in when performing your heaviest lifts. This stand also features a pull-up bar so you can add variety to your strength training.
Yaheetech pair
Dimensions: 45 - 70.5 inches (height)
Weight: 40.9 pounds
Pros: + versatile + quality + allows for progression
Cons: - large - extra equipment required
The Yaheetech pair of adjustable squat racks is another high-quality product that will allow you to perform your heaviest lifts. This product is easy to assemble and will allow for a maximum load of 200kgs so you can have full confidence that it will be able to handle your heaviest lifts.
Dumbells
Dumbells don't always cost a fortune, but to kit your home gym out with a set of dumbbells that are adjustable and space-saving you will have to be prepared to spend a lot of money. Dumbbells are a fantastic asset to any home gym whether you elect to purchase a single set or a full set with adjustable weight settings. Dumbbells are particularly useful in isolating muscles and helping you address muscle imbalances and can also be incorporated into other compound exercises.
Adjustable dumbbells
Dimensions: 15.75 x 8 x 9 inches each
Weight: 52.5 pounds each
Pros: + versatile + quality + allows for progression + space-saving
Cons: - expensive
You can guarantee great quality with these adjustable dumbbells from Bowflex. Bowflex's SelectTech allows you to combine 15 sets of weights into one which makes it the perfect option for those who have less space and are willing to pay the price-tag. The SelectTech technology allows you to seamlessly change between different weights and allows for great progression in your strength training.
CAP coated hex dumbbell
Dimensions: 11 x 4 x 4 - 15 x 7.3 x 6.3 inches
Weight: 10-60 pounds
Pros: + versatile + quality
Cons: - limited option for progression
The CAP coated hex dumbbell is the perfect option for those who don't have the budget for an adjustable dumbbell set but still want a high-quality product to incorporate into a number of strength training exercises. These dumbbells are available in 5lb increments between 10 and 60 lbs so make sure you identify which weight is optimum for your experience level.
Best Home Gym Accessories
There are some fantastic products out there to increase the quality and comfort of your workouts. We've reviewed some of the best ones on the market and listed some extra equipment you'll need if you are considering a high-end purchase such as a squat rack.
Yoga Mat
Dimensions: 72 x 25 1/4 inches
Weight: 3.5 pounds
A yoga mat is a great investment for any home gym especially one with particularly hard or wooden floors. Its uses are not limited to yoga exercises and can add comfort to abs circuits and any other exercises performed on the floor. The non-slip mat from Clever Yoga will add comfort and grip to your floor exercises and all for a reasonable price. In addition, its portable, so in the instance you want to take your workout outside, you can!
Foam Roller
Dimensions: 3.9 x 5.1 x 5.1 inches
Weight: 7 ounces
A Foam Roller is a great piece of equipment to help you recover from intense strength training workouts. It allows you to stretch tired or aching muscles to reduce recovery time and aid pain relief. This particular product from TriggerPoint is made from high-quality materials to ensure it maintains its shape and offers a foam exterior for excellent comfort.
Resistance band for assisted pull-ups
Weight: 1.5 pounds
Resistance bands come in many shapes and sizes. These particular resistance bands from STYLEZONE allow beginners to perform particular exercises such as pull-ups and chin-ups more easily. By placing the bands around the pull-up bar and under your feet they give assistance to make the exercise easier. This is a great accessory for beginners or those who are just starting to incorporate bodyweight exercises into their strength training routine.
Plate weights, barbells and clamps
Plate weights, barbells and clamps are a necessary addition for those who are looking to invest in high-end products to transform a space in their home into a functional and fully-equipped gym. Be aware that these can be expensive and with the amount of equipment required, the cumulative cost soon adds up. Make sure you budget these accessories into your home gym plan to ensure you have the resources to fully kit out your space. We've listed below some great high-quality options below for you to consider.
Weight: 2.4 - 35 lbs
Now you have all the knowledge to build a home gym that suits your budget and space. If you are looking to purchase the bigger and more expensive products, make sure you plan sufficiently and work out where you are going to put each piece of equipment, the last thing you want is for your new purchase to not fit in your home. With these purchases, you'll take your strength training to the next level and create a personalised space to enjoy and progress your workouts!
